Should You Adopt One Cat or Two? The Pros and Cons Every Future Cat Parent Should Know

You’re ready to adopt, but a question lingers: Should I adopt one cat… or two?

Adopting a pair might seem like the perfect way to give your cat a built-in best friend, but it's not always the right call for every home. At Moricat, we support thoughtful adoptions, and that includes making the best decision for both you and your future cats.

Here’s what the research (and rescue experts) say about adopting single cats versus bonded pairs.

---

 

The Case for Two: Social Cats Thrive Together

Some cats, especially littermates or bonded adults, have spent their lives together and find comfort in companionship. A study on shelter cats found that cats adopted together exhibited significantly more affiliative (friendly and loving) behavior toward one another than solo cats did toward unfamiliar cats.

Translation?
When matched well, cats can offer emotional support, play, and grooming companionship to each other, especially if you're gone during the day.

The Hidden Cost: More Cats = Longer Shelter Stays

While companionship sounds ideal, research also shows that cats adopted as part of a pair tend to spend more time waiting for adoption.

• Single cats spent a median of 3 days less in shelters than pairs
  

• Cats labeled “must be adopted together” spent 13 days longer than solo cats
  
  

This might not sound like much—but in crowded shelters, those days add up. And sadly, longer stays often increase stress and risk of illness.

Research Insight: Decisions to label cats as “bonded pairs” should be made carefully, ideally using behavioral evidence rather than just co-housing convenience.

Signs That a Pair Might Be the Right Fit

Adopting two cats can work beautifully when:

• They’re already bonded (siblings, longtime shelter roommates)
  

• You have enough space (multiple litter boxes, beds, hiding spots)
  

• You’re home less often, and want them to keep each other company
  

• You’re financially prepared for double vet bills, food, and care
  
  

Pro Tip: Let shelter staff guide you; many use behavioral assessments to determine true bonded status.

When One Cat Is a Better Fit

Solo adoptions are ideal when:

• Your home is small or shared (like a studio or dorm)
  

• You’re adopting a shy or undersocialized cat (they need your full attention)
  

• You already own a cat and want to avoid territory issues
  

• You’re a first-time cat parent learning the ropes
  
  

Not all cats want feline roommates. Some, especially older rescues or those with trauma, may prefer a calm environment where they can adjust at their own pace.

Real Talk: Multi-Cat Homes Can Lead to Returns

One of the most common reasons for adoption returns? Incompatibility between pets.

Shelter data shows that many post-adoption returns happen because:

• Cats don’t get along
  

• Resources (food, litter, attention) are being fought over
  

• The home wasn’t ready to support two cats
  
  

Research Insight: Cats placed together by shelters were not always the same cats who showed bonded behavior in video assessments, meaning some were mislabeled, leading to adoption mismatches 

The Middle Ground: Adopt One Now, One Later

If you're torn, start with one cat. Once you've built a routine and learned their personality, you’ll be in a better place to decide if they'd benefit from a buddy.

Make sure to:

• Introduce new cats gradually using scent swapping and slow meetings
  

• Provide multiple resources (litter boxes, feeding stations, toys) to reduce stress
  

• Look for signs of distress, like hiding, hissing, or litter box issues
  

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you adopt one cat or two, your decision should be based on behavior, lifestyle, and space, not pressure or emotion.

At Moricat, we celebrate every adoption, single or double. And we’ve got the accessories you’ll need to make your cat(s) feel truly at home, from cozy beds to calming collars for multi-cat harmony.

Writen by:  Moodra

Designed by: Lexin Yuan